Feb. 20 declared 'Spectrum Day'

Ten years ago this coming week, The Greater New Milford Spectrum delivered its first issue to the homes and businesses in New Milford, Washington, Bridgewater, Roxbury, Sherman, Kent and Warren.

We are pleased to be thriving in this competitive -- and well-served -- area that is covered by several weekly and daily newspapers.

The most widely circulated daily, The News-Times based in Danbury, is our sister publication; we share an office on the New Milford Green.

The Spectrum has the largest circulation in this area -- about 20,000 newspapers every week.

Each of the seven towns has issued a proclamation declaring Feb. 20 The Greater New Milford Spectrum Day, in honor of our first publication in 1998.

We would like to share excerpts and comments with you.

New Milford Mayor Patricia Murphy in the proclamation: "This hometown paper educates, entertains, informs and often inspires our citizens to become involved in their community or remember what is most important in their lives as family and friends."

Washington First Selectman Mark Lyon in a statement: "The importance of a local weekly cannot be overstated. The small rural towns of Litchfield County are usually passed over in the local sections of the daily papers which serve our area.

"The personal touch given our local stories by having reporters present at Town of Washington events keep our residents up to date and informed. Many local residents, young and old, get the opportunity at their '15 minutes' of fame through the pictures and articles that wouldn't be published without the focus of a small-town weekly.

"The Spectrum fills a void for our citizens with their local news and editorial coverage of Washington."

Sherman First Selectman Andrea O'Connor in a proclamation: "The Greater New Milford Spectrum informs readers about the government news necessary to full and active participation in our democracy."

Warren First Selectman Jack Travers in a proclamation: "The Greater New Milford Spectrum advocates for action through its editorials."

Kent First Selectman Ruth Epstein in a letter: "We wish you and all the staff at The Greater New Milford Spectrum the best as you celebrate your 10th anniversary." The Kent Board of Selectmen proclaimed Feb. 20 as "The Greater New Milford Spectrum Day."

Bridgewater First Selectman William Stuart and Roxbury First Selectman Barbara Henry indicated their towns also would declare Wednesday in honor of the newspaper.

The proclamations will be framed and on display in our office at 45B Main St. in New Milford as they arrive.

The Spectrum is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in many ways. On Thursday we and The News-Times are sponsoring the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce's monthly Business Scene from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Joey's on Route 7.

We are planning an open house for the communities on May 15 and will publish a special section for readers and advertisers on May 16.

We will have contests and other festivities throughout the year.

Most of the original Spectrum news staff of 10 years is still involved in various ways.

Art Cummings, the first editor, was the visionary with Norm Cummings in starting the paper and creating its personality. Art now is editor of The News-Times; Norm is photo editor and sports editor of The Spectrum.

Staff writer Lynda Wellman has been with the paper since day one and continues to bring detailed and balanced news to readers.

Staff writer and photographer Deborah Rose was part of the launch in 1998 and is known for getting all the news about local civic organizations into the paper.

Advertising representatives Cindie Niemera and Charles Toussaint continue to serve local advertisers and were joined this month by Laurie Stuhrcke.